Christmas in Nigeria is a special time filled with delicious traditional foods, where rice dishes, meat preparations, and fresh salads take center stage in the celebration. The combination of these dishes creates a festive atmosphere that makes Nigerian Christmas truly memorable.
While there are many options for a Nigerian Christmas feast, certain dishes have become staples that perfectly capture the spirit of the season. Here’s a comprehensive guide to preparing a traditional Nigerian Christmas meal that your family will love.
Ingredients
- 4 cups long-grain rice
- 2 whole chickens or turkeys
- 3 large carrots, diced
- 2 cups green beans, chopped
- 4 medium tomatoes
- 3 bell peppers
- 2 onions
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 stock cubes
- Salt to taste
- Assorted vegetables for salad
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Prepare the rice by washing thoroughly and parboiling
- Step 2: Clean and season the chicken or turkey with stock cubes and salt
- Step 3: Cook the meat until tender, then grill, fry, or roast as preferred
- Step 4: Prepare the tomato stew base with blended tomatoes, peppers, and onions
- Step 5: Cook the rice with the prepared stew base
- Step 6: Add diced carrots and green beans 3 minutes before rice is fully cooked
- Step 7: Prepare a fresh vegetable salad as a side dish
- Step 8: Arrange the meal with rice as the centerpiece, accompanied by the meat and salad
Additional Instructions
- Prep time: 1 hour
- Cook time: 1.5 hours
- Serves: 6-8 people
- Can be made ahead: Prepare stew base a day before
- Storage: Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days
- Variations: Can substitute white rice with jollof or fried rice
- Serving suggestion: Add fried plantains as a side dish
- Alternative dinner option: Prepare egusi soup with semolina
General Nutritional Values
- Approx. Calories: 650 kcal per serving
- Approx. Protein: 35g
- Approx. Carbohydrates: 80g
- Approx. Fat: 22g
